Campaign for voluntary-assisted dying legislation before October poll
MPs across Queensland have been flooded with letters and calls pushing for voluntary-assisted dying legislation to be introduced before the October state election, but both sides of politics are refusing to commit until one thing happens.
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THOUSANDS of letters have flooded MPs inboxes urging the State Government to introduce voluntary-assisted dying legislation.
It comes after several Labor MPs, including former deputy premier Jackie Trad, urged Queenslanders to support the Electrical Trade Unions’ campaign to get the contentious laws before parliament.
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The campaign, which asked people to co-sign a letter, has urged the Government to introduce a Bill with the view of MPs voting on it before the current term concludes.
As of last Friday, about 3200 letters had been distributed to MPs from all parties across the state.
ETU state secretary Peter Ong told The Courier-Mail the numbers showed there was a groundswell of support to get legislation passed.
“It is beyond politics, it’s about human rights and dignity,” he said.
But the Government has delayed any potential legislation when it ordered the Queensland Law Reform Commission to draft legislation in May.
The commission will report back by March 2021.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has previously said she wanted to see “very strong legislation” before saying whether she supported it.
Ms Trad earlier this week said euthanasia would become an election issue, telling The Australian newspaper there would be groups which would want to know what the major parties would do once the QLRC reports back.
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper, who is chair of the committee which was tasked with undertaking the mammoth inquiry into aged care, end of life and palliative care, said he applauded the ETU’s ongoing advocacy.
He said he had been fielding calls in his local electorate about euthanasia.
“I will be advocating for this to be passed,” he said.
“It’s clear people want choice at end of life.
“I’m keen to see this issue brought before the House and have the ability to talk on it as an MP.”
The office of LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has previously refused to guarantee whether the party would pursue legislation should it win the October election, with a spokesman saying: “We will await to see what is put forward by the Queensland Law Reform Commission.”
Ms Frecklington has committed to offering her MPs a conscience vote, which the party did with abortion in 2018.